Jan Igaki - Portfolio of Works

I make my platters one at a time, allowing the shape of the clay slab to dictate the design. Each is truly unique.

All are food-safe, and microwave/dishwasher safe.

I draw on each platter with pencil, fitting the design into the continours of the platter's edge.

Glazing is the most fun, and the most challenging. I layer on the glazes, blending to give depth and the illusion of motion.

Dragons. Incense burners. Incense smoke pours out the dragon's mouth and nostrils.

My vessels are hand-thrown , glazed, and hikidashi fired. That is, they are removed form the kiln while the glaze is still molten, sprayed with a metallic solution, and placed into a reduction container while red-hot. This produces a brilliant metallic luster and deep black crazing in the glaze.

"Hikidashi" means "to pull out" in Japanese. The term "raku," often used to describe this process in English, has a different meaning in Japan. Being a native of Japan, I prefer to use the proper Japanese term "Hikidashi" to describe my firing process.

The Japanese term for frog (ka-eh-roo) also means to return home. Because of this coincidence and in keeping with the Shinto tradition that all living things have a sacred life (spirit) to them, Japanese people keep frogs in their work places, cars, etc to ensure that they and their loved ones return home safely. Some people go as far as keeping frogs in their wallets with the hopes that their money will return back to it.

Each bowl is hand pinched to resemble the beautiful flowers of Hawai'i. Microwave, dishwasher and food safe.

Artful spoons/scoops, cheese slicers, mugs and cups to enhance any party. Microwave, dishwasher and food safe.

Oni is the term for "demon" in Japanese. But don't be fooled by the name. Oni in Japan tend to be playful guardians. Placed at the entrance of your home, they keep the wicked and evil away. Throw dried soy beans at them on January 1st to dispel the evil spirits of last year.

These bright, decorative turtles make great housewarming gifts. They add a little color and style to any room.

Designed to reflect the "wabi-sabi" style using traditional Japanese patterns hand-carved into each platter. Dishasher, microwave and food safe.

Little dudes to place in your garden and around every corner of your house to remind you to just enjoy life. As the Hawaiians say, "A'ole pilikia" no worries!

Based off the native Colorado species, each fish has it's own character.

Using the same technique as Hideharu's regular hikidashi ware, these pots have a rough texture with blue, black and copper tones.

Jan hand sculpts these horses to resemble the spirit of the mustangs that run freely in the west.